What procedure is commonly combined with vagotomy for the treatment of peptic ulcers?

The procedure commonly combined with vagotomy for the treatment of peptic ulcers is pyloroplasty. Vagotomy involves cutting the vagus nerve to reduce stomach acid production, which is beneficial in treating peptic ulcers. However, this can also lead to gastric stasis, where food moves slowly from the stomach into the intestine. To alleviate this issue, pyloroplasty is often performed.

Pyloroplasty works by enlarging the opening of the pylorus, which is the area where the stomach connects to the small intestine. This helps to facilitate the passage of food from the stomach after vagotomy. The combination makes it easier for the digestive process to continue smoothly, thereby improving the overall outcome for the patient.

In contrast, the other procedures mentioned would not typically be used in conjunction with vagotomy for peptic ulcers. The Whipple procedure involves the surgical removal of part of the pancreas and is indicated for pancreatic cancers or tumors, rather than ulcers. Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder, which is unrelated to the treatment of peptic ulcers. Pancreatectomy involves removing part or all of the pancreas and is generally not part of ulcer management.